World's Oldest IVF Mother Reveals She Is Dying

14/06/2010 15:35
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Updated
22 May 2015

parentdish.co.uk
Parentdish UK

The world's oldest mother - who gave birth just 18 months ago aged 70 after costly IVF - is dying, she revealed today.

Rajo Devi Lohan, 72, and her husband Balla, 73, from Baddhu Patti, India, say they were never warned of the health risks of having a baby at such an advanced age when they agreed to the £2,000 treatment, which they took out loans to pay for.

Mrs Lohan said: 'I dreamed about having a child all my life. It does not matter to me that I am ill, because at least I lived long enough to become a mother.'

She is now so weak she cannot even lift her infant daughter, Naveen.

'The doctor never warned me it was dangerous to have a baby at my age,' she said. 'But I was healthy before, and now I am very sick.'

Following her Caesarean delivery, the elderly mother suffered internal bleeding and required surgery to remove an ovarian cyst.

The farmer's wife said: 'I was told I needed bed rest when I got home after the birth, but it's my job to milk the buffalo which means I have to squat on the ground.'

Her younger sister now cares for Naveen.

Mrs Lohan said: 'Omi brings Naveen to kiss me and I tell her I love her very much. Her first word was "Ma", I was so happy to hear that.'

Doctor Anurag Bishnoi, who carried out the IVF procedure, said Mrs Lohan's health problems are not related to her pregnancy.

'Even though Rajo's health is deteriorating, at least she will die in peace,' he said. 'She does not have to face the stigma of being barren.'